Shaving razor handle with covered core having an exposed area for marking

ABSTRACT

A shaving razor having a razor handle comprising an extruded substantially rigid inner core and a compatible covering layer over the rigid inner core except for a select region at which an exposed portion of inner core is provided. A marking, such as printed matter and/or any other type of indicia, may thereby be readily provided on the inner core rather than on the covering layer. The marking is preferably provided on a flat surface of the handle. Additionally, the razor handle may be formed by an extrusion process utilizing a die set which forms a handle with a cross-section which is at least partially asymmetrical.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a shaving razor and, moreparticularly, to a shaving razor having a rigid inner core covered by acovering layer, the covering layer leaving an area of the inner coreexposed for marking subject matter thereon.

[0002] The desirability of providing a wet shaving razor with arubberized handle which provides a more comfortable and secure grip,especially when held with wet and sometimes soapy hands, has beenrecognized. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,403,534, 5,553,384, and5,727,328 to Jisu Kim disclose a shaving razor having a rubberizedhandle comprising an extruded substantially rigid inner core and aco-extruded, compatible thermoplastic rubber layer covering the rigidinner core.

[0003] It is also desirable to be able to prominently display amanufacturer's brand name and/or logo on a product or other desiredprinted matter or indicia. With regard to a shaving razor, the razorhandle is an ideal location for the brand name and logo because thehandle generally contains the most surface area of any part of theshaving razor.

[0004] However, a soft thermoplastic rubber layer on a handle of thetype disclosed in the patents to Kim, is not a desirable surface onwhich to print. Instead, a hard plastic surface provides a better mediumon which to print because it allows for more flexibility in the types oftechniques that may be used for printing and, generally, allows forbetter print quality and sharper print contrast than soft thermoplasticrubber.

[0005] Accordingly, there exists a need for a shaving razor with ahandle having both a desired gripping surface as well as a desirablesurface on which subject matter, such as written material (e.g., a brandname) and/or indicia (e.g., a logo) may be marked.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In accordance with the principles of the present invention, ashaving razor having a shaving head holding one or more fixed orreplaceable razor blades in appropriate shaving position is providedwith a razor handle attachable to the shaving head. The razor handleincludes a substantially rigid inner core with a layer covering therigid inner core except for a portion thereof. The lack of coveringlayer over a portion of the inner core results in an exposed portion ofthe inner core which is more amenable to receiving a marking (e.g.,bearing printed matter) than the material of the covering layer.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is a method of producinga razor handle for a shaving razor having an inner core and a coveringlayer over most of the inner core except along a portion thereof atwhich the inner core is exposed. The method further includes the step ofmarking on the exposed portion of the inner core any desired subjectmatter, marking of the inner core material being more readily achievablethan on the covering layer.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the inner core material and thecovering layer material are fed simultaneously in an extrudable state toa coaxial extruder die. The materials are co-extruded to form aone-piece razor handle having an inner core of the substantially rigidmaterial covered by a preferably compatible covering layer, except alonga portion of the core. The coextruded handle need not have a completelysymmetrical cross-section, and may have a substantially asymmetricalcross-section.

[0009] Preferably, the covering layer is compatible with the material ofthe rigid inner core. Alternatively, the covering layer may include atie layer of compatible material provided between the rigid inner coreand the covering layer as a bonding medium.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The invention will be better understood from the followingdetailed description of an exemplary embodiment thereof in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings in which:

[0011]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary shaving razor inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a partially exploded isometric view of the shaving razorof FIG. 1;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of theshaving razor of FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the handle of the shavingrazor of FIG. 1 taken along section line 4-4 of FIG. 3; and

[0015]FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrative of an exemplaryprocess, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, forfabricating the handle of the exemplary shaving razor of FIG. 1.

[0016] Throughout the figures of the drawings the same referencenumerals or characters are used to denote like components or features ofthe illustrated razor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an exemplary razor 10 formedin accordance with the principles of the present invention. Razor 10includes a shaving head 12 and a razor handle 14 having a top end 16 anda bottom end 18. The shaving head 12, which may be of any conventionaldesign, such as an assembly of molded plastic, is coupled to top end 16of razor handle 14 and carries one or more metal blades 20, with thecutting edges 22 thereof in appropriate positions for effective shaving.

[0018] Preferably, handle 14 is made of a suitable length andcircumference and is otherwise shaped and configured for easy grasp by auser. Those skilled in the art will recognize that suitable length andcross-sectional dimensions of the razor handle may vary over a widerange. If handle 14 is hollow, then the minimum wall thickness of handle14 must be sufficient to provide handle 14 with substantial rigidity andwill depend upon the characteristics of the material or materials fromwhich handle 14 is formed as well as the cross-sectional shape of handle14. It will be appreciated that the cross-sectional shape of handle 14need not be completely symmetrical, and may be at least partiallyasymmetrical, as described in further detail below.

[0019] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, shaving head 12 is coupled to topend 16 of razor handle 14 via a molded plastic neck piece 24 coupled totop end 16 of handle 14. A molded plastic end plug 26 is preferablycoupled to bottom end 18 of handle 14.

[0020] Shaving head 12 and neck piece 24 may be connected in any desiredmanner. Preferably, shaving head 12 and neck piece 24 are connected by apivotable connection. They may, however, be connected by a nonpivotableconnection. In addition, shaving head 12 may either be a replaceablecartridge unit or a razor head of a disposable razor (and thus notdesigned to be readily decoupled from neck piece 24). If desired,shaving head 12 and neck piece 24 may be integrally formed.

[0021] Handle 14, neck piece 24, and end plug 26 may be coupled togetherin any desired manner, as will be known to those skilled in the art. Forexample, handle 14, neck piece 24, and end plug 26 may be thermal,kinetic, or ultrasonically welded, press-fitted, friction-fitted,adhered with a bonding agent, or coupled in any other manner whichsecurely couples shaving head 12 to handle 14 via neck piece 24.

[0022] In the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, handle 14 is formed with asubstantially hollow interior 28 and neck piece 24 and end plug 26include respective insert members 34 and 36, each sized to fit withinthe hollow ends of handle 14 resulting from forming handle 14 with ahollow interior 28. In this manner, neck piece 24 and end plug 26 mayeach be attached to handle 14 by press fitting the respective insertmembers 34 and 36 into the ends of handle 14. If desired, glue or otheradhesive agents may be used to further secure insert members 34 and 36in respective ends 16 and 18 of hollow handle 14. Alternatively, anothermeans of securing at least one of neck piece 24 and end plug 16 tohandle 14 may be used, such as welding. It is noted that handle 14 ofrazor 10 need not be hollow, and neck piece 24 and end plug 26, if any,may be attached to handle 14 by means other than the insert members 34,36, such as described above.

[0023] In accordance with the principles of the present invention, razorhandle 14 has an inner core 40 covered by a covering layer 42. Coveringlayer 42 preferably extends around the circumference of handle 14 andpreferably from end 16 to end 18 to impart a desired effect, such as avisual effect or varied texture. In a preferred embodiment, coveringlayer 42 is provided to increase gripping comfort. Thus, for an improvedergonomic configuration, at least longitudinal sides 44, 46 of handle 14are sufficiently covered with covering layer 42 to provide gripping in avariety of gripping positions, thus facilitating the different shavingneeds of both men and women. Moreover, the front side 48 of handle 14,alongside blade cutting edges 22, preferably is covered with coveringlayer 42, at least for use by men. It will be appreciated that handleback side 49 may alternatively or additionally be covered with acovering layer 42.

[0024] The material from which inner core 40 is formed typically morereadily receives a marking (such as printed matter, an imprint, anengraving, etc.) than does the material of covering layer 42. Moreover,a marking typically lasts longer on the material of inner core 40 thanon the material of covering layer 42. Advantageously, as shown in FIGS.1, 2, and 4, covering layer 42 does not cover the entire handle 14.Instead, a portion 50 of inner core 40 is left exposed. This exposedportion 50 provides a surface area of inner core 40 which may be markedas desired, such as by the manufacturer or seller. For example, subjectmatter, such as written material (e.g., a brand name) and/or otherindicia (e.g., a logo), may be provided on exposed portion 50.Preferably, exposed portion 50 is substantially flat to facilitatemarking thereon. For instance, the exemplary handle illustrated in FIGS.2 and 4 has a closed U-shaped cross-section with a flat side connectingthe ends of the “U”, exposed portion 50 being formed along the flatside. As shown in the Figures, exposed portion 50 is preferably formedas a longitudinal strip of core 40, extending from top end 16 to bottomend 18 of handle 14, along which covering layer 42 is not applied. Suchconfiguration of exposed portion 50 is preferable for simplifyingmanufacture, as will be appreciated particularly with reference to thedescription of preferred methods of manufacturing handle 14 providedbelow. However, other configurations are within the scope of the presentinvention.

[0025] Advantageously, for aesthetic purposes, handle 14 includes a pairof grooves 52, 54 along the edges of exposed portion 50. For instance,grooves 52, 54 permit a distinct demarcation between flexible layer 42and exposed portion 50.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the material from which covering layer42 is formed is selected to impart handle 14 with a grasping surfacewhich is soft and non-slippery, even in a wet and soapy environment, aswell as to increase grasping comfort. Moreover, covering layer 42preferably is formed from a relatively soft material which increasesuser comfort while grasping handle 14. If desired, covering layer 42 maybe formed from a material which is sufficiently compressible such thatcompression of the layer increases user comfort while grasping handle14. Alternatively, or additionally, the material of covering layer 42 isselected to impart higher friction to handle 14 than imparted by thematerial of inner core 40. A preferred material for forming coveringlayer 42 is an elastomer, most preferably a thermoplastic elastomer,capable of imparting such properties to the finished covering layer.

[0027] In accordance with the principles of the present invention, if ahigh friction material is used, then only a very thin layer of materialis necessary in order to form covering layer 42. In particular, thematerial preferably is applied in a thin enough layer such that the bulkproperties of the material (such as compressibility) are not readilydistinguishable and the surface properties (such as friction) dominatethe sensations imparted by the material to the user grasping the layerformed therefrom. However, covering layer should have sufficientthickness to achieve a complete coverage of inner core 40 under themanufacturing process used. The thickness of such a covering layerpreferably is less than 0.1 mm, and most preferably approximately 0.05mm to approximately 0.075 mm. However, layers thinner than 0.05 mm whichprovide adequate coverage of inner core 40 yet which have surfaceproperties dominating over bulk material properties are within the scopeof the invention as well. Similarly, layers thicker than 0.075 mm, suchas 3 mm, may be appropriate, depending on the material selected forcovering layer 42. It will be appreciated that because the surfaceproperties of covering layer 42 impart the desired tactile qualities tohandle 14, handle 14 may have a smooth exterior rather than a flutedconfiguration, as disclosed in the above-mentioned patents issued toKim, or another type of surface configuration or texture intended toimpart tactile sensations now adequately provided by the covering layermaterial itself.

[0028] Inner core 40 is preferably formed of a material capable ofmaintaining the desired handle shape during and throughout repeated useof razor 10. Preferably, the material of inner core 40 is selected toresult in a rigid inner core and is amenable to processing in a low costmanner (e.g., a process with low energy requirements such as arelatively low temperature process). For example, a thermoplasticmaterial may be used to form core 40, such material permittingreprocessing of scrap material. Additionally, inner core 40 preferablyis formed from a material which is compatible with the material ofcovering layer 42 so that covering layer 42 will be securely attached toinner core 40. Most preferably, inner core 40 and covering layer 42 aresufficiently compatible to permit direct bonding of the materials, suchas a result of chemical compatibility and bonding.

[0029] Exemplary compatible covering layer and inner core materialcombinations, which may be used with any method of manufacturing handle14, include an ethylene-propylene-diene monomer covering layer, such asSANTOPRENE sold by Monsanto, Inc. of St. Louis, Mo., on a high densitypolyethylene inner core; a halogenated polyolefin covering layer, suchas ALCRYN sold by DuPont Polymer Products of Wilmington, Delaware, on apoly-vinylidene chloride inner core; and a covering layer of ahydrogenated adduct of a styrene—butadiene block copolymer with maleicanhydride, such as CRATON sold by Shell Chemical Company of Houston,Tex., on a polystyrene inner core. Preferably, covering layer 42 isformed from SANTOPRENE and inner core 40 is formed from polypropylene.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, handle 14 is formed by co-extrudinginner core 40 and covering layer 42. As known to those skilled in theart, extrusion requires less expensive processing equipment and resultsin faster production rates than are achievable by injection molding. Inorder for the inner core material and the covering layer material to beco-extrudable they should have appropriate melting points such that theyare both in a molten state and have suitable viscosities while passingthrough a co-extrusion die. Moreover, as one of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate, the materials of inner core 40 and covering layer42 should have relatively low melt flow indexes (preferably 4 g/10 minor lower) to facilitate extrusion. Finally, for good adhesion, moleculesof each material must be capable of mixing and interweaving to form astrong bond at the interface between the inner core and thethermoplastic layer.

[0031] Preferably at least, for purposes of extrusion, inner core 40 andcovering layer 42 are formed from thermoplastic materials. Suitablematerials for forming inner core 40 of handle 14 by extrusion includepolyolefin (including polyethylene, such as high density polyethyleneand polypropylene), polyvinylidene chloride, and polystyrene. In apreferred embodiment, inner core 40 is formed from polypropylene. Thematerial used to form covering layer 42 preferably is co-extrudable withthe material of inner core 40 and, once co-extruded, must also providegood adhesion with inner core 40 so that covering layer 42 does notbecome detached therefrom during use or storage. In a preferredembodiment, covering layer 42 is formed from a thermoplastic elastomersuch as ethylenepropylene-diene monomer.

[0032] As is well known to those skilled in the art, if the materialschosen for inner core 40 and covering layer 42 do not mix and interweaveto a sufficient extent at their interface to provide good adhesion, anappropriate tie layer may be formed between inner core 40 and coveringlayer 42 to provide the necessary adhesion. If inner core 40 andcovering layer 42 are formed by co-extrusion, such a tie layer may beco-extruded with the materials from which inner core 40 and coveringlayer 42 are formed, using an appropriate coaxial extrusion die asdescribed in further detail below. In this manner, an inner corematerial and a covering layer material which are otherwise incompatiblefor forming the coextruded razor handle in accordance with the inventionmay be made compatible by using a tie layer.

[0033] Turning now to FIG. 5, there is shown a block diagramschematically illustrating an exemplary co-extrusion process 60 whichmay be used to fabricate handle 14 of razor 10 by co-extrusion. Separateconventional extruders 62 and 64 are respectively used to simultaneouslyextrude the material of rigid inner core 40 and the compatible materialof covering layer 42 of handle 14. If a tie layer is to be used, then anadditional extruder for such material (not shown) is provided.

[0034] The outputs of extruders 62 and 64 are provided to a dual inputcoaxial die set 66. Preferably, though not necessarily, core material ispassed through a melt pump 68 before passing through die set 66. Asimilar melt pump may be provided between extruder 64 and die set 66 aswell.

[0035] Coaxial die set 66 is designed such that the material of innercore 40 and the compatible material of covering layer 42 are co-extrudedin the desired handle cross-sectional shape. Preferably, die set 66 isshaped such that the resulting extruded handle has at least one flatside along which exposed portion 50 is provided to facilitate printingthereon.

[0036] In accordance with the principles of the invention, die set 66may be fabricated with a sufficiently high standard of surface finish,dimension, and geometry to allow for extrusion of a handle which has across-section which is not completely symmetrical. For example, die set66 may impart a closed “U” shape cross-section to handle 14, resultingin a handle such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. Such shape is onlysymmetrical about one plane and is otherwise asymmetrical. Highcylindricity of die set 66 (parallelism between the elements of die set66) is also important to successfully extrude a handle with across-section which is at least partially asymmetrical. Preferably, dieset 66 is also finished to such high standards (including finish,dimension, and geometry) to allow extrusion of the substantiallyasymmetrical cross-sectioned handle as a hollow handle.

[0037] In order to extrude a handle with a straight (rather than curved)longitudinal axis, extrudate mass and cooling rate of a givencross-section of the handle should be equalized throughout thecross-section. Thus, the elements of die set 66 (e.g., an outer die andinner mandrel used to form a hollow handle) are preferably arranged suchthat the mass and cooling rate of the extrudate passing through the dieset are equalized about the cross-section. In a preferred embodiment,mass and cooling rate are equalized about two mutually orthogonal planescutting through the cross-section of the extrudate and intersecting eachother along a line parallel to the direction of pull of the extrudatethrough die set 66. Thus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 4, the backportion of the handle (adjacent flat back side 49) preferably has athinner wall thickness than the front portion of the handle (adjacentfront side 48) to result in substantially equal mass flow along the backand front portions of the handle (about a plane of symmetrysubstantially parallel to flat back side 49 and cutting throughlongitudinal sides 44, 46 to divide the cross-section of the handleroughly in half).

[0038] Die set 66 preferably is designed such that a portion of rigidinner core 40 is not covered by covering layer 42, leaving an exposedportion 50. The simplest manner of achieving such result from die set 66is to inhibit flow of covering layer material to a section of die set66, such that a longitudinal strip of exposed inner core 40 is extrudedwithout a covering layer 42 over it. It is noted that die set 66 may beconfigured to form the above-described grooves 52, 54 which may functionto form a well in core 40 in which covering layer 42 is dammed to resultin a clean demarcation of exposed portion 50.

[0039] The extrusion parameters of the extrusion method of the presentinvention depend upon the materials selected for the inner core and thecovering layer (the extrudate) and are known or readily determinable bythose skilled in the art. In particular, extruders 62, 64 subject theextrudate to sufficient heat and pressure to be capable of flowing intodie set 66 at a desired production rate. In a preferred embodiment, fora 600 g/min throughput of handle forming material (preferably 570 g/minof inner core material and 30 g/min of covering layer material), theinner core material is extruded at a temperature of approximately 200°C. and a pressure of 40 bar and the covering layer material is extrudedat a temperature of approximately 200° C. and a pressure of 100 Bar,such pressure difference improving uniformity of the covering layer overthe inner core. Die set 66 is heated sufficiently to allow the extrudateto flow therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, die set 66 is heated toa temperature higher than that of the extrudate exiting extruders 62, 64to enhance flow of the extrudate as it passes through die set 66. Forthe above-listed extrudate temperatures and pressures, the preferredtemperature of die set 66 is 235° C. Such heating of die set 66 isparticularly beneficial for extruding a thin thermoplastic layer over athicker thermoplastic core material. The temperature of die set 66 isselected such that the covering layer material achieves good coverageover the inner core material and the co-extruded materials aresufficiently fused or bonded together for purposes of repeated usage ofthe resulting handle without the finished covering layer separating fromthe finished inner core.

[0040] The co-extrudate exiting from die set 66 is cooled in a firstcooling tank 70 which is under vacuum. For example, a water vacuum tanksuch as a Conair GATTO DPC Vacuum Tank may be used. Typically,calibrators (e.g., in the form of templates through which the extrudateis passed to maintain proper size and shape of the extrudate withinvacuum tank 70) are provided within vacuum cooling tank 70. The vacuumabove the cooling medium in vacuum cooling tank 70 is regulated tocontrol the dimensions of the co-extrudate passing through the tank andto maintain the stability of the shape and dimension of theco-extrudate. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate,sufficient vacuum is required so that a hollow co-extrudate does notcollapse. If desired, a detector system (not shown), such as aconventional laser beam detection arrangement or an ultrasonic detectionsystem, may be provided to monitor the co-extrudate. The detector systemmay be used to control the vacuum above the coolant in cooling tank 70.

[0041] The co-extrudate optionally, though not necessarily, may befurther cooled in a second cooling tank 72. For example, theco-extrudate may be cooled in a Conair GATTO Water Tank, at atmosphericpressure. It will appreciated that although water is the preferredcooling medium for both cooling tanks, any other refrigerant may be usedwith any necessary modification of manufacturing parameters being withinthe scope of the present invention.

[0042] The cooled co-extrudate is then passed through a friction puller74. Any commercially available friction puller, such as the Conair GATTOCAT-A-PULLER Model 205-4, may be used. Friction puller 74 moves thecoextrudate through a cutter 76 of known design, such as a Conair GATTOCutter. Cutter 76 cuts the length of the co-extrudate movingtherethrough to segments of preset length for use of the co-extrudate asa razor handle. Preferably, for aesthetic purposes, the co-extrudate iscut at an angle, as best shown in FIG. 3.

[0043] The marking of exposed portion 50, may be performed at any timeafter cooling of the co-extrudate is achieved. Preferably, marking ofexposed portion 50 is performed after the co-extrudate exits frictionpuller 74 but before the co-extrudate is cut by cutter 76. In suchmanner, exposed portion 50 is properly oriented for receiving a marking.Moreover, puller 74 substantially isolates upstream co-extrudate fromforces imparted on the co-extrudate by the equipment performing themarking. However, marking of exposed portion 50 may be performed at alocation remote from the extruding equipment.

[0044] Any technique known in the art for marking exposed portion 50 maybe used, such as hot stamping, ink transfer techniques (e.g., silkscreen printing, rubber stamping, etc.), or surface modification (e.g.,etching, engraving, etc.). In hot stamping, an ink ribbon is interposedbetween inner core 40 and a heated print head, and the heated print headis pressed into inner core 40. The heated print head melts the materialof inner core 40 and creates an impression therein. The print head alsomelts the ink on the ink ribbon and deposits it into the impressioncreated in the inner core.

[0045] In the manner described above, a soft-coated handle 14 of razor10 with an area on which printed matter may be readily provided isformed by a simple, low-cost co-extrusion process.

[0046] While the invention has been shown and described herein withreference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that thevarious additions, substitutions, or modifications of form, structure,arrangement, proportions, materials, and components and otherwise, usedin the practice of the invention and which are particularly adapted tospecific environments and operative requirements, may be made to thedescribed embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. For example, the handle need not have thecross-sectional “U” shape or the exemplary embodiment, but may have anycross-sectional shape. Moreover, the exposed portion need not extendalong the entire length of the razor handle. In addition, althoughco-extrusion is a preferred method of manufacture to facilitateformation of the exposed portion of the handle inner core, the exposedportion alternatively may be formed by providing a covering layer overthe entire rigid inner core and then cutting or grinding away a portionof the covering layer to expose a portion of the rigid inner core wherea manufacturer's brand name and/or logo may then be printed. Thepresently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the inventionbeing indicated by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoingdescription.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shaving razor comprising: a shaving headcarrying at least one razor blade; a razor handle coupled to saidshaving head, said razor handle comprising a substantially rigid innercore and a covering layer covering said inner core except for a portionthereof whereby a portion of said inner core is exposed; and a markingprovided on said exposed portion of said inner core.
 2. A shaving razoras in claim 1, wherein said inner core is formed from a thermoplasticmaterial and said covering layer is formed from a thermoplasticelastomer.
 3. A shaving razor as in claim 1, wherein the materials ofsaid inner core and said covering layer are compatible and are directlybonded together.
 4. A shaving razor as in claim 1, wherein a tie layeris provided to bond said covering layer to said inner core.
 5. A shavingrazor as in claim 1, wherein said inner core and said covering layer areformed by co-extrusion.
 6. A shaving razor as in claim 1, wherein saidmarking is printed subject matter.
 7. A shaving razor as in claim 1,wherein said exposed portion of said inner core is substantially flat tofacilitate formation of said marking thereon.
 8. A shaving razor handlecomprising: a substantially rigid inner core; a covering layer coveringsaid inner core except for a portion thereof at which said inner core isexposed; and a marking provided on said exposed portion of said innercore.
 9. A shaving razor handle as in claim 8, wherein said inner coreis formed from a thermoplastic material.
 10. A shaving razor handle asin claim 9, wherein said thermoplastic material is selected from thegroup consisting of: polyolefin, polyvinylidene chloride, andpolystyrene.
 11. A shaving razor handle as in claim 9, wherein saidcovering layer is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer.
 12. A shavingrazor handle as in claim 8, wherein said covering layer is formed from athermoplastic elastomer.
 13. A shaving razor handle as in claim 12,wherein said thermoplastic elastomer is selected from the groupconsisting of: ethylene-propylene-diene monomer, halogenated polyolefin,and hydrogenated adduct of a styrene—butadiene block copolymer withmaleic anhydride.
 14. A shaving razor handle as in claim 8, wherein thematerials of said inner core and said covering layer are compatible andare directly bonded together.
 15. A shaving razor handle as in claim 8,wherein a tie layer is provided to bond said covering layer to saidinner core.
 16. A shaving razor handle as in claim 8, wherein saidhandle is formed by co-extruding materials from which said inner coreand said covering layer are formed.
 17. A shaving razor handle as inclaim 8, wherein said covering layer is formed from a material impartinghigher friction to said handle than imparted by said inner core.
 18. Ashaving razor handle as in claim 17, wherein said covering layer has athickness at which surface properties of said covering layer materialdominate over bulk properties of said covering layer material.
 19. Amethod of forming a shaving razor handle, said method comprising thesteps of: forming a rigid inner core of said handle; forming a coveringlayer over said rigid inner core; exposing a portion of said inner coreby not providing covering layer over a portion of said inner core; andmarking said exposed portion of said inner core.
 20. A method of forminga shaving razor handle as in claim 19, further comprising the steps ofcoextruding a first material for forming said inner core with a secondmaterial for forming said covering layer, thereby forming said innercore and covering layer of said handle.
 21. A method of forming ashaving razor handle as in claim 19, wherein said first and secondmaterials are compatible and bond directly together.
 22. A method offorming a shaving razor handle as in claim 19, further comprising thesteps of: passing said first and second materials through a die set; andblocking flow of said second material through a portion of said die setwhile passing said first material through said die set portion therebyresulting in an exposed portion of said inner core exiting through saiddie set portion.
 23. A method of forming a shaving razor handle as inclaim 22, wherein said die set is shaped to form a hollow handle byextrusion of said first and second materials therethrough.
 24. A methodof forming a shaving razor handle as in claim 22, wherein said die setis shaped to form a handle having a cross-section which is at leastpartially asymmetrical.
 25. A method of forming a shaving razor handleas in claim 19, further comprising the step of hot-stamping subjectmatter on said exposed portion of said inner core.
 26. A method offorming a shaving razor handle, said method comprising the step ofextruding handle forming material into a handle having a cross-sectionwhich is at least partially asymmetrical.
 27. A method of forming ashaving razor handle as in claim 26, wherein the cross-section of saidhandle formed by extrusion is symmetrical about only one plane.
 28. Amethod of forming a shaving razor handle as in claim 27, wherein saidcross-section is in the shape of a closed U-shape.
 29. A method offorming a shaving razor handle as in claim 26, further comprising thesteps of: extruding an inner core material; and co-extruding a coveringlayer material around said inner core material; whereby the coextrudedhandle has an inner core covered by a covering layer.
 30. A method offorming a shaving razor handle as in claim 26, further comprising thestep of extruding said handle forming material into a hollow handle. 31.A method of forming a shaving razor handle as in claim 26, furthercomprising the step of extruding said handle forming material to form ahandle with a substantially straight longitudinal axis.